Environment and planning > Planning >
Planning applications - business
All links will follow the section in which it is mentioned.
How to apply on-line
We recommend you submit your planning application to us electronically. This will save you time and money as there will be no need to copy plans 4 times, or to post them to us. This can be done via the Planning Portal where you will be able to complete an online application form, buy site location plans, attach drawings and make you payment electronically. Alternatively, use the Council's Public Access Module to submit applications and make a payment, electronically. You will also be able to track your application's progress via the Public Access Module.
Portal Submission Page for business (NOTE this is an external link)
Making a planning application - Business, Commercial or any other Major Development proposal
Visit our 'Do I need planning permission?' page and/or visit the government's Planning Portal site, for guidance. The Portal site is a very useful source of information relating to all planning matters.
We also have Guidance Notes whicb may be helpful: Running a Business from your Home, Making a Planning application (example plans), and Making a Planning Application (general guidance). These are all available on the downloadable forms page - see link below.
Downloadable froms are available on our Forms and Advice page - please see link to Downloadable forms page.
To see a checklist of what is required to make a planning application please follow our link to the checklist document below.
Your development may also need building regulations approval. Use the link for more information about Building Regulations.
Downloadable forms page - link
Planning Portal Homes Page (NOTE this is an external link)
Please also visit our Development Control Page and our Policy Page
Material Considerations
In determining all planning applications the Council is required by law to have regard to the Development Plan and other material considerations.
For more information please visit page detailing all constraints. Constraints & Considerations.
Design and Access Statements
From the 10th August 2006 design and access statements will be required for all planning applications except householder applications outside the conservation areas and change of use applications. Many developers are already familiar with producing such statements and this new requirement can be seen as an extension of what is current best practice. The statements will explain how high quality design and issues such as disabled access have been addressed in the proposal and help the City Council ensure new developments are of a high quality. This will give local communities a greater understanding of what is proposed, and therefore a greater opportunity to contribute to the planning process.
A best practice guide to the preparation of a design and access statement can be found on the Cabe website at http://www.cabe.org.uk or a copy can be inspected at the planning department.
Details of the Statutory Instruments can be found on the Office of Public Sector Information website at http://www.opsi.gov.uk.
How to apply on paper
A list of downloadable forms together with guidance on completion of a full planning application form following this paragraph. See the checksheet above to find out what you need to send with your application.
An Ordnance Survey map can be purchased from the Planning Office. The contact details are at the base of this page. Or you may phone 0191 301 8708, 8770.
Send 4 copies of your application together with cheque payable to City of Durham to our offices at 17 Claypath, Durham, DH1 1RH, or deliver it in person, to Byland Lodge, Hawthorn Terrace, Durham City, DH1 4TD.
You are able to see our weekly list of applications by following this link:
How to get help
We are happy to help you with anything about making a planning application. Use the link at the base of this page to email us or phone us on the number provided. If you require information about Conservation Areas, Listed Buildings, or Tree Preservation Orders, our Heritage and Design Section will be happy to assist. Vist their web pages or contact them on 0191 8725, 8726, or 8727.
Heritage & Design pages
: Conservation Areas; Tree Preservation Orders; Listed Buildings
The Planning system plays an important role in modern society by helping to protect the environment in our towns and cities and in the countryside. Planning regulations have to cover many different situations and are quite detailed.
The general planning principles and the procedures for making a planning application are described in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) booklet Planning Permission - A Guide to Business .The Planning Portal also offers a wide range of services and guidance on the planning system.
Parliament has given the main responsibility for planning to the Local Planning Authorities. If you do have any queries about a particular case, the first thing to do is to contact us using the details at the bottom of the page.
Enforcement and Appeal information is available on our Enforcement or Appeals page where information about the Enforcement Register and Appeals made can be viewed. The links follow this text.
If you need further help or information please contact us. Our contact information is at the base of this page.
Other pages you may find useful
Contact Details
For further information or specific help with information on this page, please contact us:
City of Durham Planning Department
Telephone: 0191 386 6111
E-Mail: devcontrol@durhamcity.gov.uk
In an emergency, outside of office hours, please call 0191 386 6111